![]() Manuscripts provide the core for later blog posts.Preachers who preach multiple services know exactly what they’ve said when using a manuscript.A manuscript helps the audio-visual team know when to forward the Powerpoint, cue the videos, etc.Word count helps with timing, especially when the preacher has a certain amount of time to present.Manuscripts keep preachers on track, helping them to avoid chasing rabbits.God is in the preparation as well as the preaching, so producing the manuscript is important.Every word counts in a sermon, and a manuscript emphasizes that point.Their reasons for manuscripting included the following, some of which surprised me, taught me, and challenged me as a preacher who uses a detailed outline rather than a manuscript. 44% use a manuscript when they go to the pulpit.A detailed outline still requires preachers to know the “unwritten” content so well that they have to study equally hard.Their congregation knows when they’re reading – and that’s not the best way to preach. Some preachers are simply not good at reading a manuscript and still coming across as natural.For some bi-vocational pastors, a detailed outline simply takes less time in preparation, while still allowing the preacher to dig into the text.Without denying that manuscript preachers rely on the Spirit, preachers who use only brief notes must depend on the Spirit to fill in the material.If the preacher needs large print for visual purposes, the manuscript can be numerous pages.An outline can be an extended outline, so you get the meat of the sermon without being tied to a manuscript.Outlines with key statements, illustrations, highlighted still give the preacher some freedom in proclaiming the Word. ![]() ![]() It’s easy to get lost in the manuscript.Reading a manuscript while connecting with the people at the same time is difficult. They are better able to maintain strong eye contact when not using notes.The reasons given for using no manuscript were several: Some use only “Post-it” notes with brief bullet points. Most use an outline, though the depth of the outline varies from simply the basic points to a detailed outline. A few weeks ago, I sent this poll to preachers: “Do you use a sermon manuscript or not? Why or why not?” More than 125 preachers responded, and I found their responses fascinating.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |